Britain’s population is projected to surge by nearly five million people over the next decade, driven almost entirely by net migration, according to striking new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The data suggests the UK will grow to 72.5 million residents by 2032, marking a 7.3% increase that outpaces the previous decade’s growth. This expansion will be fueled by an estimated net migration of 4.9 million people, as natural population change – the difference between births and deaths – is expected to remain virtually static.

In a remarkable demographic shift, the ONS projects that deaths will overtake births by mid-2029, meaning migration will become the sole driver of population growth. The figures indicate approximately 9.91 million people will immigrate to the UK over the next decade, while 4.98 million will leave.

The government has faced immediate pressure to address these projections, with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp calling the numbers “shocking and unacceptable.” Downing Street has promised a “comprehensive plan” to reduce migration levels but has ruled out implementing an “arbitrary cap.”

England is set to experience the most dramatic population increase among UK nations, with a projected 7.8% rise compared to more modest growth in Wales (5.9%), Scotland (4.4%), and Northern Ireland (2.1%).

The aging population presents another significant challenge, with an additional 1.7 million pensioners expected by 2032. This demographic shift raises questions about healthcare provision and economic sustainability, though the Resolution Foundation suggests the migration-driven growth could reduce government borrowing by approximately £5 billion.

The ONS emphasizes these figures are projections rather than predictions, acknowledging that actual numbers could vary significantly based on future policy changes and global events.